Soneva Fushi has achieved remarkable recognition in the hospitality industry, earning the No. 8 spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2024. Notably, it is the only resort in the Maldives to make it into this prestigious ranking. In addition, the resort has once again received The Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award, which recognizes the highest-rated hotel located within 20 meters of a beach. The winners were announced during a lively awards ceremony in London that celebrated exceptional hotels from six continents.
The event took place at the historic Guildhall in London, where key figures from the global travel and hospitality sectors gathered to celebrate outstanding hotel experiences. Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the gathering, noting the importance of honoring hotels that have made a lasting impact on travelers. “We hope the 2024 list inspires travel lovers to choose a remarkable destination for their next journey,” he said.
Soneva Fushi, located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, is celebrated as the original barefoot luxury hideaway. The resort features 63 private villas, each set amidst lush jungle or positioned over crystal-clear waters. Guests can engage in a variety of activities, such as attending expert-led events from the Soneva Stars calendar, dining at one of the resort’s 14 venues, rejuvenating at the Soneva Soul wellness center, or enjoying The Den, one of South Asia’s largest children's playgrounds.
Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and Co-Founder of Soneva, expressed his pride in the accolades received. “We are honoured that Soneva Fushi has once again been recognised by The World’s 50 Best Hotels, ranking as the No. 8 hotel globally and winning ‘Best Beach Resort’ for the second year in a row. We are also proud to be the only Maldivian property in the top 50. At Soneva, we are a family that passionately pursues true luxury, offering extraordinary experiences that enrich our guests’ lives while minimising our impact on the environment.”
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list was revealed through a live countdown from No. 50 to No. 1, highlighting additional special awards. This prestigious ranking is determined by the votes of 600 anonymous travel experts, including hoteliers, journalists, educators, and seasoned luxury travelers, led by prominent Academy Chairs.
Soneva Fushi's continued recognition at such esteemed events underscores its position as a leader in luxury hospitality, offering guests not just a place to stay, but a transformative experience in one of the world's most beautiful destinations.